iGuiders, a Beachwood software company that guides online shoppers through their buying experiences, is the winner of the 2012 The International Entrepreneurs (TiE) Ohio business plan competition. Founded in 2008 by Jodi Marchewitz, iGuiders is a decision-making application that personalizes the search process to help users find exactly what they’re looking for.

Thirty-six Ohio startups entered the competition for a prize package comprised of $2,500 cash and services including incubator space, advisory services, legal and accounting support. iGuiders will now go on to Toronto in April to compete in the global competition.

iGuiders was selected as the winner from a panel of five judges representing investment funds and early stage advisors. Judge Todd Federman, executive director of the North Coast Angel Fund, was impressed with iGuiders concept and success in the market. “It’s always a challenging decision when a small group of judges come together,” says Federman. “iGuiders has a demonstrated a lot of traction. They’ve taken a lot of risk and positioned themselves well to grow.”

Federman was also impressed with iGuiders COO Chaz Napoli’s vision. “Chaz has a polished a very clear view of what they’re trying to do as a company,” he says.

Real Time Imaging Technologies, which miniaturizes medical fluoroscopes for dental use, took second place as an emerging company  in the competition. The company will also receive $2,500 and  have access to mentoring and other services.

Source: Todd Federman
Writer: Karin Connelly